Following the recent announcement of its first artist line-up, Mullum Roots Festival has officially revealed its much-anticipated secret headliner, with iconic Australian band Mental As Anything set to top the bill when the festival returns to Mullumbimby in July.
The announcement comes at a significant moment for the Northern Rivers music scene, following news that Byron Bay Bluesfest will not take place this year.
Mullum Roots Festival’s growing program highlights the continued strength of regional festivals supporting Australian artists and live music audiences.
Peter O’Doherty from Mental As Anything said the band was thrilled to be joining the festival, and urges live music fans to continue to support Australian music. ‘It’s a shame that Bluesfest has been cancelled this year, but great that others such as the fantastic Mullum Roots Festival are holding their own when it comes to supporting Australian music.’
Formed in 1976, Mental As Anything have remained one of Australia’s most enduring and beloved bands. Known for timeless hits including Live It Up’, ‘The Nips Are Getting Bigger’ and ‘If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?’, their Mullum Roots Festival performance will form part of a national tour celebrating 50 years since the band first formed, bringing their catalogue of classics to audiences across the country.
Mental As Anything joins a line-up featuring Alex Lloyd, Busby Marou, Dave Graney & Clare Moore, The Fauves, Lucie Thorne, Bill Chambers, Jo Jo Smith, The Pinks, Joey’s Coop, Lucie Thorne, Abbey Cardwell, Rogue Elements, The Hoochers, Kristina Olsen, Wild Rocket, Lou Bradley, Kangaroos With Machine Guns, and Wanita Queen of Honky Tonk, and many many more, as well as a Youth Battle of the Bands.
Following its successful inaugural year, Mullum Roots Festival will once again transform Mullumbimby village into a walkable, multi-venue festival experience, with performances staged across a collection of intimate local venues.
The 2026 edition will also expand to include an additional space, increasing seating capacity while maintaining the warm, community atmosphere the festival has quickly become known for.
Tickets are on sale now, with limited availability. A 20 per cent discount on weekend passes is available for Bluesfest ticket holders wishing to attend Mullum Roots Festival. To access the offer, punters can email a copy of their Bluesfest ticket receipt by Monday, April 6.
Mullum Roots Festival will run the weekend of July 11 and 12. Tickets and information at mullumrootsfest.com.
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